Early school year has benefits

Returning to school early comes with rewards later, Aug. 28

The benefits to students who start school earlier and have extra weeks of vacation at other times can be seen in the European models that have been used for decades. More frequent breaks allow students to relax and refresh and return with renewed energy and commitment. The same advantages apply to teachers.

Having taught in Europe for the last eight years of a 40-year teaching career, I can vouch for the model. My students were happier, healthier and more effective, with a dramatic decrease in absenteeism. Their teacher was happier, healthier and more effective, and rarely used a sick day.